“My Glacier backpack trip was epic, to say the least.  I have to remember to look at my photos frequently to keep my head in the right direction.”

On an epic backpacking trip to Glacier National Park, Rob L., an avid recycler, composter, and tap water enthusiast from Ohio, had plenty of time to reflect on the beauty of our natural world and what gives him hope.

Rob’s philosophy? “We only got one Mother Earth baby. Some of the changes we are making to our world are not able to be reversed. I don’t think most people want this legacy passed on to our kids. I get real afraid to look into that crystal ball sometimes.”

“Photographs do no justice to any place of grandeur. Glacier National Park is hands down overwhelming. One really needs to spend a few days in the true interior, away from the pavement. All I can say is you realize you are not top of the food chain as a human being. We were mere guests in the big house that the Grizzly lives! Some parts of the trails can be a bit treacherous, it is hard at times to not be ooing and awing at some mountain peak and lose footing on a steep section of trail.”

“We are lucky our forefathers had the inclination to set this National Park aside so we can experience it as our Native American’s did, for the most part. When I say for the most part, the few remaining glaciers may be a thing of the past if our climate continues the path its on.”

Rob describes his “little contributions to help our big planet.” He dutifully drives his plastics, glass, newsprint, and cardboard to his local recycling center, ever since curbside pickup was taken away. He also created a compost bin by wiring three wood pallets together and turning it with a pitchfork every so often. As far as plastic water bottles, he absolutely hates them and calls them one of the worst recycling nightmares on the planet.

“What give me hope are organizations like We Add Up (we swear, we didn’t make him say this). I feel there are so many people who are willing to be kinder to our earth, but whether out of ignorance or laziness, need to be reminded of better habits. I just hope our children see the value of conservation. Yes, breaking some bad habits may not be convenient or politically cost-effective (in the present). We seem to hear a lot of “green” talk these days from the powers that be, unfortunately I think it is hollow rhetoric. The energy that has been generated by lots of grassroots groups from the ground on up, is going to have to be the driving force.”

Rob highly recommends his outfitter, Glacier Guides, because “they are a very class act. They are all about conservation - everything was packed in and back out. Our guide Andy was top notch; very professional, awesome personality, very conscientious of all our little needs, and he cooked up gourmet meals on a white gas backpack stove.”